'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - Player 6 : Henning Granstad

Name: Henning Granstad

Job: International poker pro for the last 4 years and captain of 'Team 10Kings'

How many years have you been playing poker?
I have played texas holdem and other various poker games for around 8 years. The interest for 5 card draw goes years and years back!

You have met them all, but if you have to name one poker legend you really enjoy watching?
I’ve always liked Phil Ivey, but the last few years several other guys are making a real impact. Not many can compare with Phil Ivey, but I played against John Juanda in the WSOPE main event. He was pure quality that day we sat on the same table! You know, he used to very tight. However, on this occasion he certainly wasn’t! I don’t think I’ve ever played a tournament with anyone who played as many hands and won as many pots as he did. It was unreal! Definitely one of the most impressive tournament performances I’ve ever seen.
I also have a tremendous respect for players like Nam Lee and JC Tran who always seem to perform on top level in major tournaments. Remember, that’s what the game is all about. To perform, day in and day out.

Any young or old or new UK player you rate a lot?
Plenty to choose from, but I’d like to mention players like Neil Channing and Julian Thew which have been around for a long time. Both have a tight aggressive play which is difficult for the other players to read. Of the younger guys, I like ”Team Hit Squad”. All of them are tricky guys to play against!

What is your favorite poker game?
I currently play Pot Limit Omaha online. LIVE it tends to be "round of each" PLO and NLHE and the tournament favorite is No Limit. I also enjoy Fixed Limit which is a more action game than NL.
How do you prepare for big poker tournaments? Any special preparations?
There are different ways of preparing. Usually I want to relax and take it easy ahead of big tournaments. That way you can be max focused and ready to ‘survive’ long days in the casino. I do my own pre-camp. I play a lot of cash games to mentally prepare myself and focus on patience and discipline to start hands etc. The key word for success is discipline.

Your favourite casino in Europe?
No casino in Europe can even compare to an average casino in Las Vegas. I do like The Vic in London though, and the card room at Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm isn’t bad at all. To be honest of the places I have played poker in Europe, I think Stockholm is my favorite. Now let's see what Blackpool can offer!